functional
adjective
func·tion·al
ˈfəŋ(k)-sh(ə-)nəl 
1
2
: used to contribute to the development or maintenance of a larger whole
functional and practical school courses
also
: designed or developed chiefly from the point of view of use
The design of the building is not only functional but also beautiful.
3
: performing or able to perform a regular function
The flashlight was still functional after I had dropped it.
Examples of functional in a Sentence
The building's design is not only functional but also beautiful.
The flashlight was still functional after I dropped it.
The computer network is fully functional.
Recent Examples on the Web
Once the elite athletes have been identified, they are helped to fulfil their potential in programs that utilize cutting edge knowledge, science and technology, including the functional use of psychology.
—
Don Riddell, CNN Money, 22 Feb. 2026
The company says the platform now operates as a fully functional prototype demonstrator.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 Feb. 2026
Host cities have always wrestled with the gap between a beautiful concept and a functional object, and the ribbon attachment has been a persistent headache for decades.
—Eric Sullivan, Scientific American, 21 Feb. 2026
Plus, the functional criss-cross pockets in the front give the bag a stylish touch.
—Melony Forcier, InStyle, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for functional
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Don Riddell, CNN Money, 22 Feb. 2026
The company says the platform now operates as a fully functional prototype demonstrator.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 Feb. 2026
Host cities have always wrestled with the gap between a beautiful concept and a functional object, and the ribbon attachment has been a persistent headache for decades.
—Eric Sullivan, Scientific American, 21 Feb. 2026
Plus, the functional criss-cross pockets in the front give the bag a stylish touch.
—Melony Forcier, InStyle, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for functional
Cite this Entry
“Functional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/functional. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
functional
adjective
func·tion·al
ˈfuŋ(k)-shnəl
-shən-ᵊl
1
a
: of, connected with, or being a function
b
: affecting bodily functions but not structure
functional heart disease
2
: designed or developed chiefly from the point of view of use
functional clothes
functional writing
3
: performing or able to perform a regular function
Medical Definition
functional
adjective
func·tion·al
ˈfəŋ(k)-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl
1
a
: of, connected with, or being a function compare structural sense 1
b
: affecting physiological or psychological functions but not organic structure
functional heart disease
a functional psychosis
compare organic sense 1b
2
: performing or able to perform a regular function
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